Visitors to San Diego usually don’t need to explain why they’re visiting this location. After all, the Californian city has a world-class reputation as a vibrant and entertaining tourist destination, thanks to its beaches, culture and family-friendly attractions like San Diego Zoo. Whatever your reason for going, chances are you’re going to have a good time.
To improve those odds, we highly recommend you use Airbnb to find your accommodation. Whether it’s finding a studio or renting a house in San Diego, Airbnb is your best bet for memorable and impressive accommodation.
To show you what we mean, we designed this fantastic list of San Diego Airbnbs to only include the best places to stay. It features Airbnb rentals from superhosts – hosts with a history of great reviews from guests – and several Airbnb Plus properties, which are rentals that have been verified in person by Airbnb for their quality. So, let’s get to the best Airbnbs in San Diego, shall we?
Room A at The Dutra Inn – Little Italy
Those seeking a trendy space to call their own during their San Diego visit won’t want to miss this stylish loft. Located among the chic streets of Little Italy in the heart of the city, this downtown San Diego Airbnb provides you with a super convenient base to explore from. You won’t have to walk far for clothing boutiques, cocktail bars, and restaurants serving gourmet food.
But it’s not just the location that makes this loft one of the best San Diego Airbnbs. Take one step inside and you’ll be floored by its creative interior design, from the displays of whiskey bottles to the thoughtful southwestern decor.
This beautiful Airbnb Plus is sure to make a special backdrop for your vacation. And while not a massive space, this one bedroom loft apartment certainly offers enough room for couples and solo travelers to unwind.
It doesn’t hurt that the apartment has a large private patio that you can sit out on with a cup of coffee or glass of wine. As for the indoor space, it features a sleeping nook with a queen bed, living room, small kitchen area and full bathroom. Amenities like Wi-Fi, TV, and air-conditioning round out the room nicely.
Most Popular Listing Walk To Bay Downtown Park/Zoo
One of the more unique room rentals in San Diego you’ll come across is this fascinating treehouse. Situated just on the edge of downtown in the Bankers Hill area, this treehouse Airbnb in San Diego allows you to easily get to all of the city’s hotspots on foot. Little Italy is just two blocks away, while the bay and Balboa Park are roughly six blocks.
For your time at this unusual Airbnb, you’ll have one of the three private rooms up in this treehouse. Inside your room you’ll find a double bed and half bathroom, with an outdoor living room for you to sit and relax in while surrounded by greenery. There’s even a special outdoor shower that allows guests to really embrace the natural side of things.
Beyond your own room and the external areas, guests also have access to a range of indoor spaces, including a full kitchen, media room with a TV, and meditation rooms. Other amenities available for guests include a BBQ grill, outdoor fireplace, free parking, Wi-Fi, and air-conditioning.
Amazing Cottage at the Beach
If you’re at all considering renting a beach house in San Diego, be sure to check out this fantastic cottage. Found steps from the beach in the relaxed community of Ocean Beach, it’s the perfect spot for sand and surf. Ocean Beach is known for its eclectic vibe, so you’ll come across a fun mix of independent shops and restaurants in the area as well.
What’s great about this Airbnb in Ocean Beach, San Diego is that its prime location is just the tip of the iceberg. Set inside a charming 1930s beach cottage, this unique beach spot can sleep up to four people, which is good news for families or friends traveling together. The cottage comes with a queen bed in one bedroom, and also has a sofa bed in the living room should you need it.
As for other spaces in the cottage, there’s the dining area, bathroom, and full kitchen, which should cover all your basic needs. Out by the front door there’s also a nice little deck area if you just want to sit and watch the world go by. In terms of amenities, this vacation home for rent in San Diego comes with Wi-Fi, pay TV, air-conditioning, and shared laundry.
Two Story Spanish Style Guest House
To experience one of the best Airbnb rentals in San Diego you only need to take a look at this fresh, modern guest house. Located in the neighborhood of North Park northeast of Balboa Park, you’re set in a wonderful and lively part of the city. North Park is full of cafes, microbreweries, and music venues, making it a fun place to head out and explore during the day and at night.
This two-story guest house set behind the main house of superhost Ian provides plenty of peace and privacy. Downstairs you’ll find the kitchen and living area, while upstairs is the bedroom and cozy TV area. With a queen bed in the bedroom and a sofa bed downstairs, the guest house can sleep up to four and still give everybody a little bit of space and privacy.
It’s also nice that you have shared use of the patio area and the upstairs deck, especially with the views from up there. Out in the patio area you have free use of the BBQ grill and dartboard, and further amenities include access to a washer/dryer, loads of childcare gear, Wi-Fi, a TV, and free parking.
Safe Hip Quiet Garden Studio / Northpark
When it comes to finding a cheap Airbnb in San Diego, you’ll be hard pressed to discover a more affordable option than this quiet guesthouse. Situated a block from Balboa Park in the hipster neighborhood of North Park, this unit really puts the best of San Diego at your fingertips. From fun attractions and activities to trendy eateries and nightlife, North Park is full of fun things to do.
A lot of short term rentals in San Diego tend to be a bit tight on space, so it’s refreshing that this studio guesthouse takes full advantage of its garden setting. The inside of this Airbnb may be rather compact, but with French doors that lead out to a pleasant private garden deck, it actually feels quite open. Couples and single travelers will be most suited to this guesthouse due to its size.
Within this garden guesthouse you have a sleeping area; small kitchen with stove, oven, fridge and coffee maker; and a private bathroom. In addition to that, guests can enjoy the studio’s air-conditioning, Wi-Fi, and TV.
Cozy Studio with Private Patio on a Canyon in Mission Hills
For a vacation rental in San Diego that helps you escape the hustle and bustle of the city, consider staying at this little studio. Found on a quiet street in the historic Mission Hills area, this Airbnb Plus feels like its own little retreat. That said, it’s within walking distance of local coffee shops and restaurants, and a quick drive from the beach and other major San Diego attractions.
Thanks to its twin French doors, this carefully designed guest suite seamlessly transitions from indoors to outdoors, providing the studio with a great sense of space and openness. From your queen bed you look out at the delightful covered patio area and garden, making it quite a pleasant scene to wake up to each morning. It’s quite a romantic setting for couples off on a long weekend, which this Airbnb seems particularly aimed towards.
Beyond its style, this guest suite also has a practical side. It features a modern kitchen, full bathroom, and even a private laundry room, which is a nice surprise in such a compact rental. Then there are the ample amenities, such as the smart TV, Wi-Fi, BBQ grill, and hammock, all of which should help you have a great stay.
South Mission Beach Zen-Like Studio
With its gorgeous wooden interior, this beachfront Airbnb in San Diego sure makes a strong first impression. Located on the bayside beach and just a gentle stroll from the main beach in South Mission, this is the ideal area for visitors who want a relaxed seaside getaway.
Staying at this Airbnb in Mission Beach, San Diego is best suited to couples, as this studio guesthouse is only able to sleep two people with its queen bed. It helps that this guesthouse’s fantastic Zen aesthetic makes any stay here feel like a special occasion. The interesting décor plus the abundance of light give this studio quite an open feel, making it even more comfortable.
In its studio space, this Airbnb provides a sleeping area, living area, bar table, breakfast bar, and full kitchen. On top of that there’s the private bathroom, meaning you pretty much have all you could need within this charming studio. Of course, then there’s the fun mix of amenities available, from free boogie boards to off-street parking, a BBQ grill, laundry facilities, air-conditioning, Wi-Fi, and pay TV.
Beach Getaway – Romantic Patio & Fire – Remote Office
It’s easy to see why this Airbnb is so popular when you see all the things it has going for itself. Situated in a fantastic spot in North Mission Beach, this guest suite is just 50 short steps from Pacific Beach, practically making it a San Diego beachfront Airbnb. And easy beach access isn’t the only thing you get here either, as it’s also really simple to get to Mission Bay and the great restaurants and bars along Mission Boulevard from the rental.
Besides its prime location, what really sets this studio guest suite apart from the competition is the intimate vibe it so carefully curates. After all, what’s more romantic than sitting out on your private patio with your loved one by a fire pit, wine in hand? Step inside this Airbnb, and it’s all very cozy with a super comfortable queen bed, full bathroom, and handy little kitchenette.
Guests have free use of bikes, which are great for exploring the area – particularly if you want to follow the beachfront right along Mission Beach. Other amenities include beach gear, high-speed Wi-Fi, smart TV, air-conditioning, and self-service check-in using the property’s smart lock.
Pacific Beach Hideaway Fireplace Patio and Bikes
This inviting guest house is a nice choice, if you’re looking for somewhere cozy and casual to stay. Found in a quiet residential part of northern Pacific Beach, it’s little over a mile to the beach and its popular boardwalk. Closer by, you have some nice parks, yoga studios, coffee shops, and plenty of places to eat and get drinks.
This Airbnb in Pacific Beach, San Diego has been designed with couples and solo travelers in mind. While not huge, this studio is the perfect size for one or two guests. It comes with a queen bed, small living area, and proper dining table, giving you plenty of options for where to eat meals and hang out. Then there’s the full bathroom and modern kitchen, which should have everything you could need for a short or long term stay.
In terms of outdoor space, the guest suite enjoys a little covered patio that looks out into the garden. The unit comes with free and easy parking right out the front of the property, as well as welcome amenities like an indoor fireplace, Wi-Fi, smart TV, and air-conditioning.
Tiny, Relaxing California Style Central Guest Home
Even though it’s quite a compact studio guesthouse, what this Airbnb in San Diego, California lacks in space it makes up for in comfort. Located behind a historic house in the central neighborhood of Banker’s Hill, this rental couldn’t offer a better area for your vacation base. From your Airbnb you can easily reach all the attractions of Balboa Park, plus loads of great local coffee shops and restaurants.
Like most studio guesthouses, this Airbnb Plus is really only able to accommodate one or two guests, due to its size. The room features a queen bed, sofa, kitchenette, and full bathroom, making it well-equipped for short stays. In the kitchenette you’ll find a mini fridge, microwave, and coffee maker, which should be enough to prepare small meals each day.
One thing that helps with this unit’s limited indoor space is that you have a covered patio area outside your studio in case you need a change of scenery. Then there’s the free street parking and additional amenities like Wi-Fi, smart TV, and air-conditioning to help make your stay stress-free.
Central & Serene Secret Garden Guesthouse
This San Diego Airbnb with its cheerful and colorful interior is a safe bet for a relaxing vacation rental. Situated in the central part of historic Kensington, this convenient spot is surrounded by boutique shops and lots of great local restaurants. It’s a nice opportunity to experience a more residential side of San Diego while still having the city’s attractions a short drive away.
One of the nice things about this Airbnb Plus is that it’s possible to sleep up to three people here. The guesthouse has a queen bed in its bedroom and a plush sofa in the living room, which could make life easier if a studio unit isn’t quite enough. In addition to the bedroom and living room, this guesthouse comes with a full bathroom, a handy little kitchenette, and an awesome garden patio that may just be this Airbnb’s best selling point.
Surrounded by a variety of plant life and greenery, the patio feels like a little oasis or retreat from the city. Other nice touches include air-conditioning, BBQ grill, Wi-Fi, and smart TV.
Relaxed Loft-Style Apartment in the Gaslamp Quarter
Few places in San Diego come with the kind of elegance and style on display as this loft-style apartment. Found in the famous Gaslamp Quarter in the heart of downtown, this Airbnb couldn’t be in a better area to stay for your vacation. Restaurants, cocktail bars, nightclubs, and much more are all within walking distance of the apartment.
It’s possible to fit up to five people at this Airbnb in Gaslamp, San Diego. That said, the sleeping arrangements here are quite unusual, with two queen beds and a sofa bed all in one bedroom – so it’s best equipped for families or friends traveling together who won’t mind all sleeping in one room together. It’s even possible to bring pets, meaning the whole family can come away with you.
Elsewhere in the loft is a pleasant living room, large kitchen, dining area, and bathroom. While there are plenty of places to get food in the immediate neighborhood, you’ll have no trouble cooking for yourselves as the kitchen comes equipped with a stove, oven, microwave, fridge, and dishwasher. Extra amenities include a washer/dryer, Wi-Fi, TV, air-conditioning, and a travel crib.
Pacific Beach Studio – AC, Bikes & SUP Boards
Of the many Airbnbs in San Diego you have to choose from, it’s hard to go past a sleek and stylish studio like this one. Located at the southern end of Pacific Beach, this studio is less than a mile to the beach, with plenty of restaurants and bars even closer by. This means it’s easy enough to walk or bike pretty much anywhere in the area.
Stays at this studio apartment are definitely best suited to couples or solo travelers, as the Airbnb is only able to sleep two people with its queen bed. Inside, the unit boasts a bright and modern decor that is sure to make you feel at ease and ready for your vacation. The apartment features a full bathroom, a couch, and a compact yet fully-equipped kitchen, which you can use to easily prepare your own meals. When you step outside you have a little more space to yourself, thanks to the small private patio.
What’s nice is that the apartment comes with a great deal of perks, including two beach cruiser bikes and two stand-up paddle boards. Of course, then there are also the regular amenities like Wi-Fi, pay TV, and air-conditioning.
Beautiful French Tudor Studio in the Heart of San Diego
Another studio Airbnb in San Diego is this cute little guest suite behind a charming French Tudor home. Situated right in the heart of Normal Heights, a lively residential neighborhood in the city’s northeast, this Airbnb is a great choice if you want to stay somewhere outside of downtown but still have access to loads of eateries and nightlife.
With a clean, modern look inside, this newly-built cottage makes it clear that a lot of thought went into making it as comfortable as possible for guests. Its studio space comes equipped with a queen bed, a work desk, and a full kitchen, while guests have a private bathroom as well. Outside the guest suite there’s a pleasant paved patio and seating where you can sit out and enjoy the warm San Diego climate.
Guests can enjoy certain conveniences like free on-site parking and the option of self check-in to help make your stay as stress free as possible. Other amenities at your disposal here include air-conditioning, Wi-Fi, and TV.
Room D at The Dutra Inn – Little Italy
Finally, we have yet another San Diego Airbnb in the Dutra Inn of Little Italy. As mentioned, Little Italy is a lively downtown neighborhood known for its fantastic bar and restaurant scene. On top of that, it’s super central and has great access to major attractions, like Balboa Park and even the airport.
This industrial chic street-level loft really doesn’t look much from the outside, but step inside and you’ll be instantly charmed. Surprisingly spacious, the unit’s downstairs has the living room, dining room, convenient kitchenette, and full bathroom. Head up the ladder to the small mezzanine and you’ll find the bedroom with its queen bed. Tucked away down the side of the loft is a small patio area for when you need a little fresh air.
While the main focus of this loft is its big windows and the experience of staying here, it does come with a few select amenities. They include Wi-Fi, TV, and air-conditioning, plus a coffee maker and fridge in the kitchenette.
So, whether you want to stay in the heart of downtown or out by the beach, there are plenty of Airbnbs in San Diego to make your dream vacation a reality. Who knows – they may even wind up being a highlight of your trip.
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